GATE Metallurgical Engineering Syllabus 2026

GATE Metallurgical Engineering Syllabus 2026

GATE Metallurgical Engineering Syllabus 2026

Complete Subject-Wise Syllabus with Detailed Topics

Complete GATE MT Syllabus 2026

1Engineering Mathematics (15 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Linear Algebra Matrices and Determinants, Systems of Linear Equations, Eigenvalues, and Eigenvectors
Calculus Limit, Continuity, differentiation, Partial derivatives, Maxima and minima, Sequences and series, Test for convergence, and Fourier series
Vector Calculus Gradient, Divergence, Curl, line, Surface and volume integrals, Stokes, Gauss, and Green’s theorems
Differential Equations Linear and non-linear first-order ODEs, Higher-order linear ODEs with constant coefficients, Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, Laplace transforms, PDEs –Laplace, one-dimensional heat and wave equations
Probability and Statistics Definitions of probability and sampling theorems, conditional probability, mean, median, mode and standard deviation, Random variables, Poisson, normal and binomial distributions, Analysis of experimental data, and Linear least-squares method
Numerical Methods Solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations, Integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules Single and multi-step methods for differential equations

2Metallurgical Thermodynamics (10 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
The laws of thermodynamics First law energy conservation; Second law – entropy, Enthalpy, Gibbs and Helmholtz free energy, Maxwell’s relations, Chemical potential, Applications to metallurgical systems, solutions, ideal and regular solutions, Gibbs phase rule, phase equilibria, binary phase diagram, lever rule, free-energy vs. composition diagrams, The equilibrium constant, Activity, Ellingham, and phase stability diagrams, Thermodynamics of point defects, surfaces and interfaces, adsorption and segregation phenomena
Electrochemistry Single electrode potential, Electrochemical cells, Nernst equation, Potential-pH diagrams

3Transport Phenomena & Rate Processes (10 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Momentum transfer Concept of viscosity, Shell balances, Bernoulli’s equation, Mechanical energy balance equation, Flow past plane surfaces and through pipes
Heat transfer Conduction, Fourier’s Law, 1-D steady-state conduction
Convection Heat transfer coefficient relations for forced convection
Radiation Black body radiation, Stefan-Boltzmann Law, Kirchhoff’s Law
Mass transfer Diffusion, Fick’s laws, Mass transfer coefficients
Dimensional analysis Buckingham Pi theorem, Significance of dimensionless numbers
Basic laws of chemical kinetics First-order reactions, Reaction rate constant, Arrhenius relation, Heterogeneous reactions, Oxidation kinetics
Electrochemical kinetics Polarization

4Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy (10 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Comminution Techniques Size classification, Flotation, Gravity, and other methods of mineral beneficiation
Agglomeration Sintering, pelletizing, and briquetting
Material and Energy balances Principles and processes for the extraction of non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, and titanium)
Iron and steel-making Material and heat balance in blast furnace, Structure and properties of slags and molten salts – basicity of slags; sulfide and phosphate capacity of slags, Production of metallurgical coke and other methods of ironmaking (COREX, MIDRE), Basic oxygen furnace, process dynamics, oxidation reactions, electric arc furnace, Ladle process- deoxidation, argon stirring, desulfurization, inclusion shape control, principles of degassing methods; basics of stainless steel manufacturing, Continuous Casting, Fluid flow in the tundish and mold, heat transfer in the mold, segregation, and inclusion control

5Physical Metallurgy (15 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Chemical Bonding Ionic, covalent, metallic, and secondary bonding in materials; Crystal structure of solids – metals and alloys, ionic and covalent solids, and polymers
X-ray Diffraction Bragg’s law, optical metallography, and the principles of SEM imaging
Diffusion in solids Diffusion equation, steady-state and error function solutions, Kirkendall effect, Uphill diffusion, Atomic models for interstitial and substitutional diffusion, Pipe diffusion and grain boundary diffusion
Crystal Imperfections Point, line, and surface defects; Coherent, semi-coherent, and incoherent interfaces
Phase transformation Driving force, Homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and growth kinetics
Electronic Electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials
Solid-state transformations Precipitation, spinodal decomposition, ordering, massive transformation, discontinuous precipitation, eutectoid transformation, diffusion less transformations, Precipitate coarsening, and Gibbs-Thomson effect
Basic forms of corrosion Basic forms of corrosion and its prevention

6Mechanical Metallurgy (15 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Stress-Strain Strain tensor and stress tensor, Representation by Mohr’s circle, elasticity, stiffness and compliance tensor, Yield criteria, Plastic deformation by slip and twinning
Dislocation theory Edge, screw and mixed dislocations, source and multiplication of dislocations, stress fields around dislocations; Partial dislocations, dislocation interactions
Strengthening mechanisms Work/strain hardening, strengthening due to grain boundaries, solid solution, precipitation and dispersion
Fracture behavior Griffith’s theory, linear elastic fracture mechanics, fracture toughness, fractography, ductile to brittle transition
Fatigue Cyclic stress-strain behavior – low and high cycle fatigue, crack growth
High-temperature deformation and failure Mechanisms of high-temperature deformation and failure
Creep and stress rupture Creep and stress rupture, stress exponent and activation energy

7Manufacturing Processes (15 Marks)

Topics Sub-topics
Metal casting Mould design involving feeding, gating, rising, casting practices, and casting defects
Hot, warm, and cold working of metals Fundamentals of metal forming processes such as rolling, forging, extrusion, wire drawing, and sheet metal forming; defects in forming processes
Metal joining Principles of soldering, brazing, and welding; welding metallurgy; defects in welded joints in steels and aluminum alloys
Powder metallurgy Production of powders, compaction, and sintering
Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Dye-penetrant, ultrasonic, radiography, eddy current, acoustic emission, and magnetic particle inspection methods

8General Aptitude (15 Marks)

This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency in basic mathematical concepts and their ability to analyze and comprehend written passages. Topics include:

  • Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, verbal analogies
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Numerical computation, data interpretation
  • Analytical and Spatial Aptitude: Logic, pattern recognition, spatial visualization

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can GATE Metallurgical Engineering syllabus be covered in 6 months?

Yes, with dedicated study of 4-5 hours daily, the entire syllabus can be covered in 6 months. Focus on high-mark sections first and practice previous years’ questions regularly.

Q. What are the most important topics in GATE MT syllabus?

Key topics include Physical Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy, and Manufacturing Processes which together account for about 45 marks. Also focus on Engineering Mathematics which is common across all GATE papers.

Q. Where can I get the official GATE MT syllabus PDF?

The official syllabus PDF will be available on the GATE organizing institute’s website (expected to be IIT Guwahati for GATE 2026) once the notification is released, typically in August 2025.